It’s the last month of the year. The chill in the air, combined with the festive vibe, feels magical. The happiness on the faces of youngsters and adults alike, is something only this month seems to bring.

Why is that? Well, the holidays, along with the anticipation of the New Year, certainly play a part. But there’s more. Two significant events also make December special: December 25th holds dual importance for Pakistanis as it marks the birthday of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the globally celebrated festival of Christmas.

On this day, we honour the legacy of the founder of the nation, while the Christian community celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, Prophet Issa (AS), a symbol of peace, love and hope. This meaningful coincidence delivers a strong message of coexistence, diversity and the shared values that unites us as a nation.

I have witnessed December 25th in a way that I believe few of you might know. I’ve experienced the celebration and the joy of togetherness in both ways — our way and the way Christians do. This is because my best friend is a Christian, he is also my neighbour, and I’ve witnessed their festivities first-hand. We also share our celebrations together. Perhaps it is because of him that I cherish the birth of the father of the nation even more. Let me tell you why.

The feeling that this country is a gift we have after the great struggles and sacrifices of our forefathers, and, of course, the visionary leadership of Jinnah, fills me with immense joy and contentment. How could one be so selfless, to take actions that have given us a free land? A land where we enjoy everything without the suppression of any regime, where we can live according to our beliefs, and where I can roam freely with my friend from another religion. He is my brother, and I am his. We share happiness and togetherness. This is a blessing that most of us don’t fully realise, but I do. I feel that it is because of Jinnah that my friend and I can live this way, peacefully, without any boundaries separating us.

As a neighbour, I witness the festive decorations in Christian homes very closely. When Christmas is around the corner, the houses are filled with the aroma of cakes and cookies, and yummy traditional desserts; while the Christmas tree is decorated with little garlands, stars, fairy light and what not to make it look even more fascinating. And when it’s the morning of December 25th, all the members go to attend the Christmas service at the church.

The churches are also full of festivity and joy; their decoration just makes my heart skip a beat. Everywhere there are wreaths and garlands, the smell of fresh roses, and other flowers fill the air, the warm glow of candles at the chapel and platform just look mesmerising. The atmosphere is made even more special as everyone sings hymns and prays for peace and happiness for all. Then the pastor speaks about the importance of love and kindness, reminding everyone that these values are at the heart of Christmas.

Just like we after offering prayers on Eidul Fitr, and then gather at home to celebrate with our family, Christian families, also, after the services at church, celebrate the day at their homes, with their family members and friends. Like most festive gatherings, on this day, grievances are forgotten, as the occasion promotes love, care, harmony and togetherness. The tables are filled with delicious sweet and savoury dishes, including the traditional Christmas food items. This is also when the grandparents and the elderly share stories from their times, stories that teach everyone valuable lessons.

While the Christmas celebrations are in full swing, it reminds me of another great event, yes, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s birthday, which also falls on the same day.

He’s rightly called the “father of the nation,” as he worked tirelessly to create Pakistan, a place where people of all religions could live freely. From the very beginning in our academic journeys, we have been taught that Jinnah believed in unity and equal rights for everyone. His speeches convey what a selfless, humble and sincere man he was!

I know that for many kids, this might feel boring and typical of every year. But it is important to remind yourself of all the brave leaders, historical figures, and pivotal moments that made it possible for us to live in Pakistan. They may not seem significant to you, but by reminding yourself time and again of how it all happened, you will surely come to realise how important it is to preserve and protect this land.

And for this, I watch programmes on TV showing footage of Jinnah’s life. The stories about his struggles, his speeches and how he envisioned Pakistan as a land for everyone, regardless of their religion or background, make me respect this land even more. I watch with my family, feeling grateful for his leadership and for the sacrifices he made to give us this nation.

But you know what? My best friend never forgets me. He invites me to his home, where we share sweets and desserts, cherishing our friendship as we sit by the Christmas tree, admiring the twinkling lights. This is the moment when I reflect on what this friendship means to me and to him. If it weren’t for Jinnah’s dream, perhaps we wouldn’t be able to sit together like this.

My friend often tells me, “To me, December 25th isn’t just about Christmas. It’s a reminder of how special this country that we are living is, a place where my family can celebrate our traditions and honour the leader who made it all possible. It’s two celebrations in one heart — a heart filled with faith, gratitude and hope.”

I feel so proud of our friendship and our nation.

Jinnah’s vision of religious freedom

Jinnah dreamt of a country where people of all religions could live harmoniously. In his famous speech on August 11, 1947, he emphasised the need for religious freedom:

“You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion, caste or creed — that has nothing to do with the business of the State.”

These words highlight the commitment of the Quaid to create a nation where diversity is celebrated rather than suppressed. He believed that religion should not interfere with matters of governance or equality, and ensured that every citizen — Muslim, Christian, Hindu or otherwise — felt a sense of belonging and security.

If you have a friend or classmate from a different faith, respect them and their beliefs. Make them feel valued and secure, knowing that they, too, have the right to live freely and celebrate their faith. After all, our religion teaches peace, harmony and respect for others. It is up to us to embody these values, show kindness and care for the minorities around us.

As Pakistan faces challenges related to religious intolerance and polarisation, the significance of December 25th grows even more profound. The day is a powerful reminder of the values that Pakistan was founded upon.

We, being in the majority, are responsible to guide and protect the minorities who are an integral part of this land, because it is their land too! We must ensure their safety and well-being, care for their needs and offer our support. We should also celebrate their happiness and stand by them in their moments of joy and grief. Granting minorities equal rights to celebrate their traditions, culture and religion is not just a privilege, but their rightful due.

A hopeful future

Hey, kids, don’t you think the coexistence of Quaid-i-Azam Day and Christmas on the same date serves as a beacon of hope for Pakistanis? Yes, it does, it reminds us that we have the potential to rise above divisions and live in harmony. This December 25th, let us celebrate not just the birth of a leader or the birth of a prophet, but also the birth of a timeless lesson: that diversity is a gift, and unity is its greatest expression.

Published in Dawn, Young World, December 21st, 2024